Mennonite Women USA

"My aunts, cousins and grandmothers were not the "brow-beaten" Amish women the media often portray. They were independent women who worked hard, loved their families, and enjoyed life," says Marty Lehman in her article in the January/February 2012 issue of timbrel. Lehman tells of her "amazing journey" from being an Amish girl to becoming one of today's leaders of Mennonite Church USA.  

Jayne Byler, lead pastor of First Mennonite Church, Sugarcreek Ohio, tells her story of becoming a more seasoned and mature pastor over the years as she "becomes what" she is.  

Don't miss this interesting issue of timbrel which focuses on Women in Leadership.  

In preparation for the March/April issue of timbrel, consider:

What characteristics in other women cause them to inspire you?   

Send your responses to Patty by December 31. Be sure to include your name and hometown.

Don't forget to add timbrel to your Christmas shopping list. It's a gift that gives all year long. To subscribe to timbrel, send $15 for one year or $13 per person for a group of 10 or more to Mennonite Women USA, 718 N Main St., Newton, KS 67114. You can also e-mail or call 866.866.2872, ext. 34396. We'll start your subscription and send you a bill. 

Sister Care in Kansas

The electricity of a college campus, the splendor of the changing colors of autumn and the kiss of crisp air greeted 80 women who attended Sister Care November 11-12, 2011at Hesston Mennonite Church. Women from three states gathered to be challenged, comforted and empowered to provide care to themselves and their sisters.

"As I have lived into Sister Care, I have been amazed at how many times I have referenced something in conversations, and how much it has influenced my  thinking. In my desire to be more of a Compassionate Listener, I appreciated the example of the power of speaking truth to those internal lies we all carry with us.

"The handles I was given at Sister Care have been, and continue to be incredibly helpful and I want to share these with the small group of women I am journeying with." Elena Entz, Newton, Kansas

Another attendee shares, "Most meaningful to me at Sister Care was to recognize and name my symptoms of compassion fatigue and to learn techniques to help sisters work with their stories in healing ways.  I felt empowered that I can be a good listener and help make a difference.  I also felt empowered to exercise tools to say no and state limits and hopefully help others who are stuck.  This is such an important ministry." 

Upcoming Sister Care Seminars 

Sister Care: Equipping Women for Caring Ministry seminars validate women's gifts of caring and equips them to respond more effectively and confidently to the needs of others in their lives and in the congregation.  Included in the seminar is a 64 page manual integrating biblical truths with life experience and skills for caring and listening.  Presenters:  Carolyn Heggen and Rhoda Keener

Pacific Northwest   January 20-21, 2012

"Member Care" - Co-ed for women and men

Portland Mennonite Church, Portland, Oregon 

Gulf States  February 17-18, 2012

- Pine Lake Camp, Meridian, Mississippi

 
New York  March 16-17, 2012

-Rochester Mennonite Church,Rochester, New York

Eastern District and Franconia  March 23-24, 2012

- eastern Pennsylvania

Central District and Indiana-Michigan May 4-5, 2012

- northern Indiana

For information on how to register, or to schedule a Sister Care seminar in your area, contact the Mennonite Women USA office.

Register now for Women in Conversation retreats 

Give to Mennonite Women USA 

Mennonite Women USA's ministry is possible through your generous donations. Contribute on-line. Make a pledge on our website. Or mail your contribution to the office at Mennonite Women USA, 718 N. Main St., Newton, KS 67114-1819. Please consider this ministry in your giving. Gifts are tax deductible.  

Honoring and Remembering    

Mennonite Women USA invites persons to share financially to support this ministry. Individuals are invited to give in honor of, or in remembrance of, significant people in their lives. We recognize that each gift honors or remembers a relationship.

Gifts given by:

Nancy Lee in memory of Freda Redekop.

Genny Schwartzentruber in memory of Betty Graber.

Valerie Klaassen in memory of Donna Klaassen.

Jean Kraybill Shenk in memory of Maribel Krabill.

Mildred Staufer in memory of Edna Mast.

Erlinda Groditski in memory of Mary T Ortiz.

Lois Johns Kaufmann in memory of Edith Hoover Johns.

Elaine Sommers Rich in memory of Virginia Classen.

Dorothy Shank in memory of Beulah Kauffman.

Geneva Shetler in memory of Edith Lehman.

Lois Yoder in memory of LaVerne Wissinger.

Judy Mullett in memory of Danny Frein.

Lois Reimer in memory of Muriel Stackley.

Gifts given by: